# Improved Privacy: How to Secure and Conceal Apps on iPhone with iOS 18
Apple has always placed a strong emphasis on user safety and privacy, and with the launch of iOS 18, the company has unveiled a host of new features aimed at strengthening these elements. A key highlight is the function that allows users to lock specific apps using Face ID or Touch ID, as well as the ability to conceal them within a special folder. This article will walk you through the steps needed to lock and conceal apps on your iPhone using iOS 18, safeguarding your sensitive data.
## Notable Features of App Locking and Concealment in iOS 18
In iOS 18, users can impose individual locks on Apple’s built-in apps, while third-party applications can be locked and placed in a concealed folder. This capability substantially enhances security and privacy by ensuring that data from locked and concealed apps is not visible in various sections of your device, such as:
– **Search**
– **Notifications**
– **Spotlight suggestions**
– **Siri suggestions**
– **Call history**
– **Maps routing suggestions**
Consequently, even if someone accesses your device, they won’t be able to view or retrieve information from these locked and concealed apps.
## Steps to Secure and Conceal Apps on iPhone in iOS 18
Follow these straightforward steps to lock and conceal your apps:
1. **Verify Your iPhone is Updated to iOS 18**: Make sure your device is running the latest iOS version to utilize these features.
2. **Long-Press on an App**: Find the app you wish to secure and press and hold it until a menu is displayed.
3. **Select ‘Require Face ID’ or ‘Require Touch ID’**: Tap on this option to activate biometric authentication for the app. Be aware that certain native Apple apps, such as Settings and Camera, do not support this locking feature.
4. **Opt to Conceal the App**: If you want to hide the app as well, tap ‘Hide and Require Face ID’ (or a similar available option). This feature is currently applicable to third-party apps; native apps can only be locked.
5. **Viewing Concealed Apps**: To see your hidden apps, swipe from right to left to access your **App Library**, then scroll to the bottom to locate the **Hidden folder**.
6. **Unlocking Concealed Apps**: Tap the **Hidden folder** and utilize Face ID or Touch ID to access the apps stored there.
### Visual Guide
To assist you in navigating the process, here’s a succinct visual guide on how to lock and conceal apps:
– **Locking a Native App**: When you long-press a native app, the option to require Face ID will be visible.
– **Locking a Third-Party App**: The process is similarly straightforward, but you will also have the option to hide the app.
If you wish to remove the lock, simply long-press on the app within your hidden folder and select **Don’t Require Face ID** to unlock it and restore it to your Home Screen.
## Summary
With iOS 18, Apple has made considerable advancements in boosting the security and privacy of its users. The functionality to lock and conceal apps adds an additional layer of security for sensitive information, making it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access your data. By adhering to the steps outlined in this article, you can effortlessly adjust your app privacy settings and ensure that your personal information remains safeguarded.
For further details regarding iOS 18 and its features, keep an eye on updates from Apple and delve into the new functionalities designed to elevate your iPhone experience.
